CINCINNATI — The Nationals spent a lot of money this winter on Dan Haren — $13 million for one season of work — because they believe the veteran right-hander can be a consistently effective starter at the back end of their rotation and revert to the form he displayed most of his career, not what he displayed last year in Anaheim.

Tonight we'll get our first official look at Haren, and he'll face a tough task in the Reds' potent, powerful, left-handed-laden lineup, not to mention the cozy dimensions of Great American Ball Park. Haren had a bit of an erratic spring, but he finished strong and, above all else, proclaims himself 100 percent healthy as the season begins.

No changes to Davey Johnson's lineup; it's the same top seven, with Kurt Suzuki back behind the plate for his second start of the young season. I'll be curious to see if Johnson gives anyone tomorrow off, with a day game following a night game. Though as Davey pointed out yesterday, pretty much every one of his regulars insists on playing every day.

I bet Lombo will be in there tomorrow. Back to the regular starters for the Sunday showcase with Strasburg.Its not like last year there's no opening in left-field. And that now pretty much belongs to T-Mo (not TyMo he doesn't need a Tylenol that's Gio). And Espy is one of the guys who absolutely refuses to sit.

I mean really, how darn childish do you have to act on here before your act has worn out?Just keeping up with the sniping NJack in the box and his pal Seamhead. And why not? Its not like i'm the only one dude.

Beg to slightly differ with a comment above: ALR's been hitting the ball well, just bad BABIP luck. In game 2, he smashed a would-be homer that hooked about 6 feet foul. I think last game he hit one to the warning track in left, etc etc.

Ladson tweeted that Danny has shaved his beard.Daughter-Wonk approves. And also adds that Werth's beard (in it's current state) is magnitudes better than the pic they show on the scoreboard (which must've been middle of winter or something!)

"And why not? Its not like i'm the only one dude."But on this particular post you were the only one who had brought it up at the time I responded. Peric,there are times when you have something insightful to share with the group and they are appreciated. However there are other times when you need to rise above the third grade level and just let it go.

Wonk — agree completely on ALR, he's been a (hopefully very short-term) victim of BAPIP, plus the wind (that one to the warning track in left was definitely kept in by the ~15 mph wind blowing directly in from left, as was the high shot by Danny to left-center that was caught.Plus that would-be second deck homer was foul by no more than about 18 inches (it flew almost directly overhead where I was sitting, only a little bit more, y'know, less foul).

Danny might not want to sit but he needs to earn his way onto the field. His spring training shortened swing stayed in Florida. The problem is Lombo's spring wasn't anything to write home about. Only Tyler Moore presents the interesting conundrum as a potential up-and-coming future impact bat. At least until Rendon is ready.

No conundrum with TyMo. He's our hairy chested RH bat on the bench, sitting next to Davey, with Tracy on the other side. None of our outfielders will need a break for awhile, nor does LaRoche. I don't expect to see him in the field till the end of the month.

Doc, if you could enlighten the dummies among us what a "beconked call" is, I would appreciate it. The word "beconked" is apparently nowhere to be found on Al Gore's Amazing Internet, apart from here, so you may have coined a new word. Now it just needs a definition.

According to the NIDO Glossary, auto-correct was responsible for Gorse Hacking, one of the most venerated, though now defunct, NI expressions. May beconked call have a similarly long and fruitful life.

When I mis-typed "beconcked" into my search engine, I got, 'Did you mean Beyonce?'"When I typed "beconked," I got, "Did you mean, 'beckon?'"I just have visions of TyMo and Lombo getting playing time because Harper and Espi get concussions from sliding into home and getting conked on the head by the catcher's elbow.

The Nationals lineup you: L, R, L, R, L, R, S, R, RReds: L, R, L, R, L, R, R, R, So, I don't get the left – handed laden thing. Sorry to be a jerk, Mark. I just don't agree. Real life question, though: I saw Haren in the Nationals dugout yesterday. Doesn't the SP usually travel ahead of the team when they are traveling

Mark was speaking of elite hitter Joey Votto and the big power bat Jay Bruch bring to the table. PLUS Shin-shoo Choo. That's the equivalent of LaRoche, Harper and Span versus Votto, Bruce and Choo? I think most folks would pick the Red's version over the Nat's at this point in time. Votto is an elite hitter LaRoche certainly is not. Harper could be an elite hitter someday but he's just starting out … and Span versus Choo I think Choo gets the edge offensively but we'll have to see. As for the Nat's "other" left-handed bats? Espy is a switch hitter. Jury is still out on him but would you pick him over the Red's second bagger Brandon Phillips? In the rest of the slots the Nats have the advantage defensively for sure. Offensively the Nats will likely be somewhat better.

Sam: That usually happens when the team has a long-distance road hop (to the West Coast or Arizona from DC, for example) the day before a game, so the SP can be guaranteed a full night's sleep (or at least the opportunity). In this case, they're only going to Cincinnati from DC, so it's not necessary.

Sec 222 (and others),I go back to the O.G. Insiders and that first spring training with MZ. I used to comment frequently, but work and two little kids and the expanding number of comments/thread made me pull back to just reading the posts for awhile.This is one of the first threads I've participated in awhile, so permit me some obvservations:1) The NIDO glossery is fantastic. An internet community that is willing to share it's "code"? That goes against all "I'm cool cuz I get the joke and you don't" internet commenter rules! Which is why, still, that NI is one of the best sites and communities in baseball.1a) Somebody add "The Onion" to the spreadsheet. And FoF.2) Reading this thread, it's clear that nothing has changed about certain commenters. *sigh*3) GYFNG!2005-2007 STH aka JB aka NatinBeantown aka Just some guy listening to Charlie and Dave on his phone in Ohio.

… and Kobernus seems like he is starting out where he left off in Harrisburg last season in Syracuse. Ross Ohlendorf pitched superbly are we sure they'd pick 82 mph fastball Chris Young? Marerro, Brown, Walters, and Owings are off to good starts. Once Rendon gets there it could get very interesting … I'd expect all of NJack's cross checker buddies could be watching Syracuse very closely this season … there's a lot more solid depth there than anyone realizes.

but…but…I like using it…Sec. 3, My Untucked Sofa said… Wait, bthu … we can't use Gorse Hacking, but we can still use the sing-along?? (Which started playing LOUDLY in my head as soon as I typed it!) April 05, 2013 5:15 PM

I remember you, NatinBeantown. Good to "see" you!aka JB aka NatinBeantown aka Just some guy listening to Charlie and Dave on his phone in Ohio.Um, Eddie, I think Onion was in reference to Solano rather than, er, onions.

2) Reading this thread, it's clear that nothing has changed about certain commenters. *sigh*Seems like the same is true for you too Beany but what else is new under the sun? NJack finally discovering that MASN really sucks? Excepting Kerzel, Kerr, and former Silver Spring resident Dan Kolko of course. Wonderful Nats post-game show featuring the Ori-hollio stars of the MidAtlantic post-game report Tom Davis and Mel Antonen. The show's lede in song "Bird, Bird, Bird is the word".

we can't use Gorse Hacking,You'll have Magnolia Muscle Attacking soon enough … Mikey Mo was an irreplaceable effervescent big power bat … the team loses some personality … but Mikey Mo is in the right league given his defensive skill set and age. Hopefully, he will not become an elite hitter …

1a — I know it was referring to the Solano boys, and that it was an onion truck. I was just suggesting that you could call him Onions because that's what the truck was carrying. (Because he's not an onion but a guy who once of necessity consorted with onions. All in the cause of baseball.)

"Speed Racer" is Ladson's very own nickname for Bernadina. Because according to Ladson Bernadina doesn't deserve to be called "the shark". As far as I know Ladson is the only one who uses "speed racer".

Ah, got it. Can't recall which teammate named him but as 222 says, we just repeat it and update the Glossary. :-)Steady Eddie said… 1a — I know it was referring to the Solano boys, and that it was an onion truck. I was just suggesting that you could call him Onions because that's what the truck was carrying. (Because he's not an onion but a guy who once of necessity consorted with onions. All in the cause of baseball.) April 05, 2013 6:35 PM

Agreed Joe. Votto was dead to rights and Ian needed to make that catch.That said it is pretty hard to draw conclusions about Haren off of this start. His velocity seems to be about where expected and he has thrown some flat out nasty pitches for strike outs but he also has missed on 3 obvious pitches. 10 days off and pitching in that ballpark will make this an aberration hopefully. Neither of Cozarts would have been homeruns elsewhere.

Yeah, they're down 5, so they need baserunners, but this might be a good time to just go hacking. He's throwing strikes, mostly. The ball is carrying, at least compared to the last 3 games. Or maybe not.

I think it will be interesting to get our first look at how the 2013 Nats face this adversity. Do they think it's over ? Do they dig down and fight? Do they really think every single game is important? We have been ahead by more than this and lost, remember? This guy is not their ace. Let's see if they adjust and figure it out.

Ok, I usually don't post during games…but Jason Marquis is apparently wearing a Dan Haren suit.Chris Young, come on down…or up…or over. I wasn't sure how tonight was going to turn out, but I surely didn't see THIS coming

Chris Young, come on down…or up…or over.There's a reason why Chris Young couldn't get any bites from another major league team. He's throwing 82 mph on his fast ball. Harren's is not what it should be averaging around 85 but comparatively speaking?Chris Young is Livo left-handed.

Again- how will they react and respond to this? That will be the true measure of the team. Rattled or resolute? Desi, Danny, ALR, need to get going. I thought the small park might help them. Not so much. Maybe the goon squad wants to hit?

True, I expect him to be better than this. That's why I was excited when Nats signed him.Velocity wasn't there tonight but the control was. No walks 5 K's. Not as bad as it looks. Hopefully, as the weather gets warmer his FB we'll get back over 90 again.

You all are answering my question, ahead of my asking it. I ain't panicking, hardly giving up on Haren in his first start, but his propensity for long fly balls and Cincy park, plus he's not in a groove yet, made this not surprising an outcome.Being an optimist, I'll say this is the perfect game for the Nats to lose. Cincy may think it's a cakewalk, Nats don't get too cocky this early in the season, Det to follow tomorrow, Haren is/was the real wildcard in this rotation.The question being answered–of course not now, but how long do you think Davey would wait, if there are more outings like this, before considering a replacement? Late April, 4 or 5 starts? Mid-May, 8-9 starts? Later? And while I was happy Chris Young could be waiting in the wings, the implication from posters here is he's not really ready for prime time.So, if Haren is this year's Jason Marquis–premature, of course, but come on, it's gotta be in everyone's thoughts–then who would be on call to take his place?

Anybody calling for Chris Young or Duke over Haren after one start needs to pump the brakes. As stated earlier he is coming off a 10 day layoff. If he has the same problems pitching on normal rest and in other ballparks over his next 2 or 3 starts then yes it is a problem but after 1 start people should give the guy with the 3rd best K/BB ratio among starters of all time the benefit of the doubt.

I know it's not fair to judge Haren by one start, but he was the part of the team (non-Henry edition) that made me the most nervous, so call it confirmation bias, but this game has reinforced that in a pretty big way. I hope I'm wrong about him, that's for sure.

but…but…I like using it…Sec. 3, My Untucked Sofa said…Wait, bthu … we can't use Gorse Hacking, but we can still use the sing-along?? (Which started playing LOUDLY in my head as soon as I typed it!)————-As the official copy-right-holder for "gorse-hacking", in its many permutations, I say it's as relevant today, as it was at the end of last season. Considering it originated as a typo, comparing the relative merits of playing Laynce Nix or Rick Ankiel, against LH pitchers, the departure of Mikey (even if he was our fave gorse-hacker!), shouldn't relegate it to the dustbin of Nats history…. In fact, it's high time the Gorse was Hacked at GABP!!! Why, they're knee-deep in gorse, up there!!!!HACK THAT GORSE!!! GYFNG!!!

However, if the Nats get shut out in the bandbox? There has to be some consternation. But, I'm sure Davey will blame the cold weather. Hitters take longer to come around etc. Harren's velocity can also be attributed to the cold I expect.

So did I miss something? Is the game over? What about our potent lineup? They can't figure things out by their third time through? Doesn't matter if the Reds have seven if we have zero-they could have one and still be ahead., I want to see some adjustments and resilience. Let's go, Nats! Win or lose, I don't want to see them befuddled. Rally!!!

Peric. What part of Haren's velocity isn't down are you missing.Avg Fastball velocity since 20092009 – 90.52010 – 90.52011 – 89.82012 – 88.5Avg Splitter velocity since 20092009 – 86.22010 – 85.42011 – 85.52012 – 84.1Tonight his fastball was sitting 88-90 and touched 91 a time or two. His split was sitting around 85. That is right in line with his velocity over the last 4 years. The main issue was his pitches were flat and location was off. Like you stated earlier though he didn't walk anyone and he still struck out 5 so his peripherals weren't bad. He gave up 3 homeruns that would have been doubles in 26 of the 30 ballparks.

So did I miss something? Is the game over? What about our potent lineup? They are not going to be a strong offensively this season replacing Morse with Span. Rizzo picked defense and speed over offense. But, its a long season changes might transpire …

I find it funny that Carpenter is talking about stealing with this big of a lead when that whole think with the Cubs and Nats happened last year over the same reason and he defended the Nats because they lost a game last year when they were up 8-0. Way to go Carp.

Sec 3 yes they do need better throws but the fielders need to come up on them. Espinosa was waiting with his glove on the backside of the bag instead of the front side. Same thing happened in one of the games against the Marlins. The glove should be on the front side of the base to avoid the incoming runner if the throw is short hopped. Better throws would obviously solve the problem but little things like that also help save runs.

Peric, I do have to give you credit for the Duke thing. I didn't think they would take him over Gorzelanny (mostly because I thought some team like the Astros would sign Duke as a starter) but you were definitely right on that one and he has looked pretty good tonight.

Yes it was bad luck. However, Danny is showing signs of becoming hitterish. That would be nice. I realize the pitcher was good tonight. Major league hitters like ours should be making adjustments. The National league is lousy with good pitching. Nice to see Zachary Duke getting some work in the Gorzo slot. Will be nicer still when the offense clicks.

Gorzo was perfectly fine … but way too expensive for his role. With Milwaukee he has a chance to contend and he's in the rotation. I liked Gorzo. But they hired him to start not mop up.Now, one can look at Houston and we find Brad Peacock in that rotation …Duke is looking a bit worse than Gorzo right now … Gorzo throws harder and is a legitimate starter. I just figured they'd pick Duke because of the job he did for SYR, his attitude and demeanor since he was a former All Star with the Pirates and the price and years were right. Winning 15 for last year's SYR team as a starter was pretty miraculous. This year its an entirely different story.

This is only one game, but our offense certainly looks BAD. It's not like the Marlins put up a fierce lineup of pitchers, and we didn't put 10 runs on them. When the Nats make contact, it's like the ball isn't going anywhere. This is only a bandbox for the Reds? And no one (perhaps besides Harper or Gio) seems to be able to hit a breaking ball.Early yet, so we will see how things pan out, especially once we run into true staff aces.

Davey throws in the towel with Henry in to pitch and Tyler Moore at first.He'd pull Zim not LaRoche. He's looking for some offense from Moore. Even with the score. Zim's the one with the shoulder. Also Werth.

Always was going to be a tough challenge with a soft-throwing right hander in that ballpark, but I'm concerned about the offense. Espi and Desmond are not getting it done, and we may need to bring up Rendon sooner rather than later. I see no change in Espi's approach. That's not how you swing in the big leagues.

Espi and Desmond are not getting it done, and we may need to bring up Rendon sooner rather than later.Rendon isn't even in AAA yet. Both Kobernus and Walters look like soon-to-be AAA All Stars. And then there's Lombo … When they decide to move Zim across the diamond then you'll likely see Rendon.

Faraz, you've got to be kidding about Zimm being "fancy" on Phillips shot, he was just trying not to get out of the way… no way that's an error.Two touchdowns and the extra points and we're right back in it.

So this would be Bad Henry, right?No wild pitches, hit batters, consecutive walks?No improved. He's still making adjustments. But, I think Henry is on the right path. He just needs to NOT lose his confidence.

FS, agree, in the sense that Suzuki let it get away. However, you, and EVERYONE has to remember this is a heckuva LOT better than losing a 16-inning game 5-4, blowing out the bullpen, etc. Let 'em laugh. It's 1 of 162.

Ouch!!was not able to hang with Mr. Carpenter through this but came back to watch the end. Hope that Det will get us back on track. Do people really think that after spending 13 million on Dan Haren that he will not get multiple starts? Think that might be a bit of an over reaction. Again, this was ugly but I will chalk it up to one of those 60 games we were destined to lose. Still looking to win the series which to me is key!Go Nats

no NL, I meant in the sense that he has crouch down in that position for so long because of pitchers' incompetence. then again they are built for that.anyways, desi's first xbh I believe?also for some perspective, Seattle of 2001 (the one with most wins in a single season) lost 2-14 against Rangers (that finished last in that division), lost 14-15 against indians after leasing 12-0 at one point.